The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Sisi's opponents prepare for tough run in Egypt's presidential election With an eye on Egypt's presidential elections in March 2018, opposition candidates are preparing to potentially run against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and for any suppression they may face from the regime. Egypt
Syrian folk dancers stomp their way into Egyptian society Syrian refugees who formed a dabke troupe four years ago are increasingly popular at Egyptian weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Egypt
Palestine to get its own central bank The Palestinian Monetary Authority has announced that it will open the Palestinian Central Bank after fulfilling all necessary requirements, but questions remain about if and when a national currency will be issued. Palestine
Armenian ceramics artist keeps ancient craft alive in Jerusalem The ancient art of ceramics and tile making lives on in Jerusalem, where the artistic tradition has become part of the treasured local heritage. Palestine
Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position. Saudi Arabia
Congress moves bill jeopardizing Iran nuclear deal New legislation could violate the JCPOA by impeding aircraft sales to Iran. United States
Have Russia, Turkey reached Syrian simpatico yet? Russia and Turkey have attained an "unprecedented" level of cooperation in many areas, some observers say, though the Kurds in Syria may remain a sticking point. Turkey
Egypt hopes ban on street ads can give cities face-lift While the government argues that a new ban on street advertisements will beautify cities, critics fear a negative economic impact. Egypt
Erdogan's claim on Ataturk legacy is bizarre political reach Despite his policies in polar opposition to those of founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has touted him as a brother whose memory is only served by his own ruling party. Turkey
Iranian media blames Ahmadinejad for quake deaths Iranian Reformist media outlets are pointing the finger at former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the high death toll from the recent earthquake in the western part of the country. Iran
Can US-Turkey relations be salvaged? Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s visit to Washington last week produced little to suggest a new chapter in ties is about to be opened. Turkey
Iran's path to becoming an LNG exporter Iran is taking steps to export liquefied natural gas after having previous ambitions to do so scuttled by sanctions. Regional
